The Allens Hire 2015 Wedding Checklist
If you’re getting married in 2015 (or even 2016), now is the perfect time to start planning the event. Of course, organising a wedding can be a daunting task, so we’ve put together a checklist of the essentials you’ll need – whether you’re opting for a grand affair or something more intimate.
Ideally, you should be starting to organise things at least 12 months in advance, but it’s no problem if you’re not – just remember to condense the first few steps on the list.
12 months or more to go
- Announce your engagement to friends and family
- Decide on what kind of wedding you’d like and then plan details according to your budget and who’s paying for what
- Set a date
- Compile your guest list
- Choose bridesmaids, flowergirls, best man and ushers
- Choose the people you would like to help with/organise the hen and stag parties
- Choose and book your venue(s)
- Book registrar (and/or religious officiant if having a religious ceremony) and apply for necessary licences
- Decide whether to/purchase appropriate wedding insurance
Between 9 and 12 months to go
- Visit wedding fayres, look through bridal magazine and research online in order to finalise your ideas for your big day, including colours, theme and style
- Send out your save the date cards
- Choose and book photographer (and videographer if you’re having one)
- Organise and book transport for the bridal party
- Book DJ and/or entertainment/other music choices
- Book your caterers and decide on your menu
- If your venue doesn’t supply all the essentials you require, Allens Catering Equipment & Furniture Hire offers everything from beautiful bone china and luxurious table linens, to banqueting chairs and tables, all with award-winning service, so you can have your dream wedding exactly as you envisage it, and rest assured you’re in safe hands.
- Start looking at wedding clothes
Between 6 and 9 months to go
- Choose and order/buy your wedding dress, groomswear and bridesmaid dresses, shoes and accessories
- Choose and book your florist – remember to consider venue decoration as well as bouquets
- Choose and book your wedding cake
- Order wedding favours and any other venue decorations
- Select stylists and book hair and make up
Between 3 and 6 months to go
- Give notice of your marriage with the registrar
- Choose and order/purchase your wedding rings
- Look at honeymoon options and books somewhere you would both like to go
- Organise your wedding night accommodation
- Meet and agree your order of service with the officiant including wedding vows - Choose readings for the ceremony (and hymns for a church wedding)
- Set up your gift list, if you’re having one
Between 0 and 3 months to go
- Send out invitations including accommodation options for out of town guests – request RSVPs within a month
- Have dress and suit fittings
- Buy thank you gifts for the wedding party
- Write speeches and thank-yous
- Have a hair cut (but not too close to the big day)
- Trial hair and make up
- Confirm final numbers, timings, and finalise arrangements with venue, caterers and all other suppliers
- Meet with the photographer and agree what shots you would like for the day
- Pay final balances
- Finalise the seating plan
- Complete the proper documents if you are changing your name
1 week to go
- Attend any rehearsals as may be required
- Give bridesmaids, ushers and best man key info and emergency numbers
- Collect dresses and groomswear – if hiring suits, remember to organise returning them too.
- Manicure, pedicure and any other grooming appointments on and before the big day.
- Get plenty of rest and prepare for the happiest day of your lives.
